Fluxing compound



Patented May 22, 1928.

UNITED STATES DONALD C. LEE, SPOKANE, WASHINGTON.

FLUXING COMPOUND.

Ho Drawing.

My present invention relates to an improved fluxing compound and process for uniting molten metals, such as copper, tin and zinc, or copper and lead in the production of anti-friction metal or Babbitt-metal suitablefor various purposes.

As an exemplification of my invention I produce an anti-friction metal alloy for rotary journal hearings or for sliding machineelements, which because of its composition is efl'ective in diminishing the friction created by the moving parts. While the composition metal aifords but slight friction to the moving parts it is of suflicient hardness 1 to reduce abrasions and wear to a minimum without cutting or injuring the moving parts. The bearing metal composed of this united alloy is of a sufliciently high melting point to be infusible under conditions where 2 considerable heat is generated by friction as in a journal bearin The invention con sists in introducing a uxing compound preferably made u of muriatic acid, zinc, blue vitriol (crysta s) and resin to the molten metals of the alloy whereby they are soldered as will be hereinafter more fully pointed out and claimed.

For the ur ose of illustrating the invention I shal escribe the production of a a0 bearing metal in connection with the use of my fluxing compound and according to my invention.

In the preparation of the fluxing compound for uniting the metals of the desired alloy, the zinc is adapted for use by being first cut into strips of suitable size, and a suppl maintained ready for use in compoun ing the fluxing compound.

As an exemplification of the proportionate 40 use of materials of .the fluxing compound I give the following formula- Muriatic acid 1 gallon, zinc 3 pounds, blue vitriol (crystals) 12 ounces, resin 21 ounces. The muriatic acid is placed in a suitable container and a supply of zinc strips is add ed thereto, as rapidl as may be for the dissolution by chemical action of the zinc in the acid. While the acid is attacking and dissolving the zinc strips a sup ly of blue vitriol (crystals) is added to the mixture, which may be stirred or agitated to assist in the dissolution and the formation of a homogeneous solution. Additional quantities of zinc are added as rapidly as the mixture will absorb the zinc;

Application filed January 31, 1927. Serial No. 165,637.

fluxing compound may be those usually employed for an anti-friction alloy, as copper, tin, zinc, to which fine shavings of brass are added, and the brass content may vary widely, as from 20% to 80% of the whole alloy.

Preferably the solution is introduced to the molten metal in an atomized state by proper devices, simultaneously with the ad dition of brass shavings in the requiredv quantities. During the introduction of the fluxing compound to the molten metal, the mass isstirred or agitated, while heated, by suitable means until the constituent elements of the alloy and the fluxing compound are thoroughly united and form a homogeneous molten mass. The proportion of the fluxing compound used to the alloy may differ or vary in accordance with the desired degree of hardness of the finished product. If a journal bearing is to be formed, the united alloy, as molten metal, may be. poured from the crucible directly into the mold for the formation of the desired hearing structure. Or the metal may be poured from the crucible into desired shapes and sizes for subsequent use.

The alloy to which the fluxing compound is thus introduced mayconsist of various proportions of metal usually employed in the production of anti-friction metal or Babbitt metal, and the quantity of fluxing compound used will be determined by the requirements for future use of the metallic alloy.

I find that the metals and materials such as brass, babbitt, lead, or pewter to which the fluxing compound is introduced unite readily and perfectly, and the production of the anti-friction metal is accomplished at a comparatively inexpensive cost. The product is a united alloy of such tenacity that when molded in a journal bearing for instance,

eliminates danger of cracking and breaking, and insures durability for machine elements.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to se- 5 cure by Letters Patent is 1. A fluxing compound for a metal alloy comprising muriatic acid 1 gallon, zinc 3 pounds, blue vitriol (crystals) 12 ounces, resin 21 ounces.

1 2. The process of treating molten metal which consists in introducing thereto a flux- 

